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Catalitic converter question

HAWKENHAWKEN Posts: 1,720 Senior Member
My 2001 F-150, 5.4 L Triton engine has no converters. I took them off and put straight pipes in their place. The computer now throws codes that say my 02 sensors are bad. How can I fool the computer into thinking everything is copasetic? Will grounding out the leads do the trick? Robin
I don't often talk to people that voted for Obama, but when I do I order large fries!
Life member of the American Legion, the VFW, the NRA and the Masonic Lodge, retired LEO

Replies

  • DoctorWhoDoctorWho Posts: 9,496 Senior Member
    No, there are varying signals involved pre and post cat, and AFAIK there are no black boxes available to fool the computer, however I am sure it is possible for a tech to build something.

    Check and see if there are less expensive aftermarket Cats available for that model, the vehicle will not run properly without the cats as the computer will not run the motor properly without them.

    The O2 sensors are reading O2 readings pre and post cat, and those readings are used to adjust the settings and economy etc.

    I would rather run an older model vehicle without cats than tinker with a motor that is designed to run with cats, the computer being the main issue, and if you modify the vehicle to a version that runs without cats, you still need to put things back to pass DEQ anyway, so the real question is, is it worth the extra trouble ?
    "There is some evil in all of us, Doctor, even you, the Valeyard is an amalgamation of the darker sides of your nature, somewhere between your twelfth and final incarnation, and I may say, you do not improve with age. Founding member of the G&A forum since 1996
  • orchidmanorchidman Posts: 8,438 Senior Member
    Robin.............You have a PM............
    Still enjoying the trip of a lifetime and making the best of what I have.....
  • Fat BillyFat Billy Posts: 1,813 Senior Member
    Put black electrical tape over the light and roll on! :win: Later,
    Fat Billy

    Recoil is how you know primer ignition is complete.
  • BufordBuford Posts: 6,724 Senior Member
    The proper terminology is TEST PIPE.
    Just look at the flowers Lizzie, just look at the flowers.
  • TeachTeach Posts: 18,428 Senior Member
    HAWKEN wrote: »
    My 2001 F-150, 5.4 L Triton engine has no converters.

    Why? Removing them does no good. Just get accustomed to the check engine light being on- - - -an O2 sensor code does no harm, and unless you have to pass an emissions test to get license plates, the best bet is to cover up the light so it doesn't distract you. If something really bad happened the engine will stop, run bad, or get lousy fuel mileage. Then you can run some diagnostics to see what else is wrong.
    Jerry
  • Big ChiefBig Chief Posts: 32,995 Senior Member
    Hawk, they got HI FLO converters nowadays and they ain't illegal. We know your vehicle is being used fer OFF ROAD only right :wink::wink:
    It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
    Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
    I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
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